Amarnath Yatra is not just a pilgrimage season for Kashmir, but also a demonstration of religious unity

MASROOR AHMAD

ANANTNAG: The 62-day spiritual journey, Amarnath Yatra officially began on July 1, from the Baltal and Chandanwari Nunwan base camps routes as 3488 Yatris set off early morning Darshan of the holy cave.
The people of Kashmir, especially the Muslims, welcomed the yatris as a show religious unity.
A grand welcome to Amarnath Yatra was organised on Saturday at Nauyuq Tunnel Qazigund, the gateway of Kashmir under the aegis of Director Urban Local Bodies Kashmir.
The reception was led by Chairman Coordination Committee ULLBs and other dignitaries of Municipal Committee Qazigund. The pilgrims were received with Traditional Kashmiri Wanwun, Izzband Kangri to give this grand welcome a touch of Kashmiriyat.
Pilgrims has already witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 300,000 individuals registering, surpassing last year’s figures.
The inaugural batch of pilgrims was ceremoniously flagged off on June 30 by LG Manoj Sinha from the base camp in Jammu, while another group commenced their expedition from the Nunwan base camp today. The local Muslim community in Kashmir warmly welcoming the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims with gestures of hospitality, adorning them with flowers and garlands. The well-wishers expressed their heartfelt desires for the safe and prosperous journey of the Hindu Yatris. An individual present at the reception expressed that the Amarnath Yatra holds deep historical roots in Kashmir, exemplifying the harmonious coexistence between Hindus and Muslims. This inclusive gesture signifies the spirit of unity, transcending religious boundaries, and serves as a testament to the shared values and peaceful atmosphere among diverse communities in the region.
The first batch of devotees embarking on the Baba Barfani Yatra set off from the Nunwan base camp towards the revered Amarnath Cave. The group, comprising 1997 yatris, commenced a two-day trek along the traditional Pahalgam route, which traces the path believed to have been taken by Lord Shiva when they journeyed to the Amarnath Cave from Pahalgam. This age-old route holds immense significance and is considered sacred among pilgrims.
The warm reception extended by the Kashmiri Muslim community to the Hindu pilgrims reflects the deep-rooted traditions of tolerance, acceptance, and communal harmony that have thrived in the region for centuries. As the Yatris set forth on their journey, they carry with them the blessings and goodwill of the local Muslim population, reaffirming the significance of interfaith amity in this sacred pilgrimage.